Member GuideMember Guide

AOPA member services that keep you flyingAOPA member services that keep you flying

May 1, 2008

Vref If you are looking into buying or selling an aircraft, you have a tremendous free resource as part of your AOPA membership—the Vref aircraft valuation service. Vref is a great starting point when attempting to determine the general retail value of an airplane.

Vref

If you are looking into buying or selling an aircraft, you have a tremendous free resource as part of your AOPA membership—the Vref aircraft valuation service. Vref is a great starting point when attempting to determine the general retail value of an airplane. It’s simple to use—just submit the aircraft model and year to view the wholesale and retail prices of the aircraft. You’ll also see a table of modifications, additions, and conversions that may apply, and the impact such changes have on the aircraft’s value. While Vref is not designed to provide a detailed appraisal of a particular aircraft (because the variables are so numerous and complex), it’s a great way to compare aircraft and get a general idea of their values. Check it out online.

Easier than buying a car?

If buying an airplane seems like a difficult proposition, you may not have the right support team helping you through the process. When Gary Robertson of Tempe, Arizona, wanted a new airplane, he turned to the experts through the AOPA Aircraft Financing Program, a partner program with Bank of America. He applied for the loan online, had an answer within 12 hours, and even got help dealing with the seller.

“It was easier than buying a car,” Robertson said. “There was no smoke and mirrors. It was up front. They told me what I needed to do and what the seller needed to do. They even called him [the seller] and explained it to him.”

Robertson was so happy with the service that he has used it for three aircraft purchases. And he’s not the only one.

Larry Jones of Bay City, Texas, has used the program four times and, as a flight instructor, he recommends it to his students who want to purchase airplanes.

“Even if they don’t need a loan, I always tell them to go through AOPA,” Jones said. “It’s cash in hand, and it’s easier and safer because they get the paperwork right. The people handling the loans are very efficient in what they do. It’s just so easy.”

FBOs, flight schools help to promote AOPA sweepstakes

Ten FBOs and flight schools were awarded a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator X Deluxe Edition for displaying brochures to promote AOPA’s 2008 “Get Your Glass Sweepstakes.” Once again, FBOs and schools are helping to spread the word and generate interest in the sweepstakes, and AOPA is giving back. Businesses qualified simply by sending in a photo of our brochures on display. Future promotions will be sent out later in the year providing an update on the status of the sweeps airplane. Every member is awarded one sweepstakes entry just for joining or renewing, and members can earn two additional entries for enrolling in our Automatic Annual Renewal plan.